Autopians - Dress codes for detailers

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Photo reference of what we wear. Left is the back of sweatshirts/t-shirts. Right shows the front of the sweatshirts/t-shirts.
 
Soarer V said:




When I see a company logo, I think they have pride in the company and business and are professional. That they might be around for a while. That they went the extra step to be in their market. That the person shows the INTENT to run a bussiness.
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You have a point there, and that was why I got custom t-shirts. No one seems to care though that now I normally wear generic shirts (usually with a car on it) while detailing.



Of course, it helps that most of my new business comes from referrals so new clients already have confidence in my abilities. Anyone just starting out though, at least get some custom t-shirts.



Personally, I'd never wear any article of clothing that could scratch a car. No belts, no work boots, etc. I keep my phone in my pocket and run my headset wire under my shirt so it can't snag on anything. Same thing with the wire to my headphones and radio. No watches, rings, etc. I'd rather be safe than make a fashion statement. :)
 
Mazz my partner, is doing an excellent job of designing new and eye catching stuff for the new season. The shirts will be replaced by our choice to a more classy look
 
I rent my Uniforms from Cintas. Shirts and pants. It's been getting warm so I will have to add shorts.



As for not having a logo on a popup Canopy. I don't have one however my E 150 cargo van has profesional lettering all over it.

Pepole call al the time and say "I saw one of your vans" little do they know it's my only van.
 
GSRstilez said:
As I approach my second *serious* season detailing, I am looking to improve my dress code a bit more. I want to appeal a bit more in each and every way to the consumer, and I feel this is one area that may need some work.



Currently, depending on the weather, I will wear:

Cold: Hooded sweatshirt, jeans, white sneakers, hair neatly styled



Warm: Khaki shorts, logo free nice t-shirt, white sneakers, white ankle socks, hair neatly styled



My question is, if you are a pro, what do you wear?



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Personally, I would never wear jeans, sneakers or t-shirts. They are much too casual for operating a business.



The key is to project the image that you want your client to think of when they think about the professional detailing services that you are offering.



Try to create a signature piece of clothing, such as either work hats or shirts that contain your business name or logo that people can easily remember.
 
Hmm maybe we should look at geting a group buy going for custom shirts? I would be very interested in getting some polo shirts with my logo on them.



Last season i was just starting out... I would wear comfortable/clean shoes, khaki pants, and a solid colored Express dress shirt.
 
Thanks for all the input.





I will most likely be purchasing either some logo'd polo's or just polo's in general. I am pretty set otherwise for summer.





Frank: After to talking to a few higher end restaurants the "denim" ban is fading away. With brands like Diesel, AG, Seven, etc. jeans can cost many times what khaki's cost, but I fully understand where you are coming from and it is well taken.



What kind of footwear do you wear when detailing?
 
When I am actually detailing, I wear an older pair of Levi's and a decent polo shirt. I never wear any jewelry or items that will scratch the paint. I also like wearing gym shoes when detailing.
 
mirrorfinishman said:
Personally, I would never wear jeans, sneakers or t-shirts. They are much too casual for operating a business.



The key is to project the image that you want your client to think of when they think about the professional detailing services that you are offering.



Try to create a signature piece of clothing, such as either work hats or shirts that contain your business name or logo that people can easily remember.
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Frank's got it! Do you want to look like a professional or a weekend warrior? It will affect your client's attitude toward you as well as what they will pay for your services. If you present yourself as a professional / expert, you will be perceived that way-especially with higher-end clients.



In my business, a lot of my competitors are very casual dressers-a polo & khakis, and I walk in to a client's office in a suit (like most of them wear). If my competitor and I offer the same product at the same price, with the same service, who do you think they are going to look to as the 'expert' to handle their image marketing?
 
kompressornsc: I agree. I just never found Khaki's comfortable to work in. I guess I need to go shopping again.



The polo's are seeming like a must though.
 
Well, I think I'm going to buy some Callaway polo shirts or another brand like that and get my logo printed on them... I'm going to attempt to design something nice in photoshop tonight. (Can get the shirts for like $10 at a local store when they have a retail price of $65+) Also considering getting some matching visors, also with the logo on them.
 
I'm in basketball shorts or jean shorts and a printed tshirt.





Usually have a pair of sandals on as well







I do plan on getting some hats made soon, maybe even a few tshirts.
 
I pick up and deliver the vehicles I am detailing. My detailing venture is operated at my home out of my garage.



When working on the vehicles, comfort is the thing. T-shirts and gym shorts in the warm weather, sweatshirts and sweatpants in the cooler weather.



When I pick up and deliver I wear a golf shirt with my business name'a logo (embroidered) and depending on the client, neat jeans or khakis.
 
GSRstilez said:
Frank: After to talking to a few higher end restaurants the "denim" ban is fading away. With brands like Diesel, AG, Seven, etc. jeans can cost many times what khaki's cost, but I fully understand where you are coming from and it is well taken.



What kind of footwear do you wear when detailing?
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It's all about image and how you are best able to provide an image that's a step above the competition. It really has very little to do with the cost of the cloths you wear. It has more to do with creating that professional appearance.



Like I said before, I never wear sneakers while I am out on a detailing job. I usually go with oxford type work shoes from Sears. And I usually buy a new pair at least twice a year. It's not really because they wear out so soon, it's more because they just look alot better when they're new.
 
"Dress for the job you want...............Not for the job you have!" Remember, you're selling yourself and the quality service you're providing. A professional appearance aids in gaining the confidence of your clients. ( that's right........"clients" ) Satisfied clients lead to valuable return business and the ever precious "word of mouth referrals". Khaki's and Polo's make for a nice presentation. Be mindful of wearing shirts with buttons on them and belt buckles that could scratch your clients vehicle.
 
I have yet to lose a job by not wearing khakis and a polo shirt.



I wear clean t-shirts and cotton shorts in the summer because quite frankly, if I am going to work in 95-100 degree temps, I am going to dress as comfortable as possible. Besides, I end up changing my shirts several times as they become sweat soaked.



When going to do an estimate (and not the actual detailing) then I would agree to dress up more.
 
This is my first run of T-shirts/LS T-shirts/Sweatshirts:

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I got them done by www.customink.com. There are a few things I'll change the next time around but are OK for now.



For bottoms I wear Khaki colored Dickies, either pants or shorts depending on weather. I like the khaki color as opposed to jeans, looks more professional. Take a look at any corporation on dressdown day and you'll see a sea of khaki, usually no denim allowed. The dickies look good, are cheap, and are easy to maintain.



For footwear I do wear sneakers but they match the color scheme of the tops. I like sneakers because they are comfortable as I am standing for the better part of 12hrs/day. I don't feel that the sneakers hurt the look because they match and that since a great majority of my business is from referals people coming in for the first time usually already know that we do great work.



I also shave on a regular basis and keep my hair in check as well.



In the end it matters more what you can do, not so much what you look like doing it.
 
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